S.D. Architecture Wins Little Praise From Panel

By WAYNE SWANSON

June 30, 1986 12 AM PT

SAN DIEGO — At its best, San Diego architecture is “freewheeling, art-oriented and idiosyncratic,” according to the jurors for the annual Honor Awards competition of the San Diego chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

But they found little that could be called the best this year. Out of 151, entries only a residence, a pool house for a residence, and the fanciful interior design of a Horton Plaza cinnamon roll shop earned the highest award for excellence in local design.

As in past years, the jurors, prominent architects from Chicago, Boston, Houston and Los Angeles, praised the small-scale projects of San Diego’s younger architects. But they were unimpressed with the city’s large-scale commercial, institutional and office designs.

“There weren’t any good ones,” said juror Richard Keating of the national firm Skidmore Owings and Merrill. “There’s no excuse for the lack of excellence in large buildings.”

Passed over by the jury were the convention center design as well as plans for office towers and commercial buildings proposed by some of San Diego’s most active and prominent firms.

However, if the city can build on the inventiveness and vitality of its young architects, said juror Thomas Beeby of Chicago, “you could have a remarkable city.”

The award winners, announced Saturday are:

HONOR AWARDS

Grove House, San Diego County, Smith & Others Architects

A pool house, Rancho Santa Fe, Smith & Others Architects

Claudia’s, San Diego, Grondona/Architects

Merit Awards

Coronado Addition, Coronado, the Comstock-Galvin-Cristilli Partnership

Beachaus, Solana Beach, Batter Kay Associates

Prospect Point, La Jolla, Martinez/Wong & Associates

Horton Plaza, San Diego, The Jerde Partnership

Symphony Hall, San Diego, Deems/Lewis & Partners

Citations of Recognition